In the last two weeks, we grappled with the issue of indulgences. This week, I want us to talk about sin! Yes, sin! Popular opinion says sin is sin; there are no various kinds of sin, but it is not true from the teaching of the Church.

The Catechism tells us that there are different types of sin: Venial and Mortal. Mortal or deadly sin “destroys in us the charity without which eternal beatitude is impossible. Unrepented, it brings eternal death (CCC 1874) “it cuts us off from God forever unless it is “redeemed by repentance and God’s forgiveness” (CCC 1861). If you have committed a mortal sin, you must go straight to confession.

One commits venial sin when, in a less serious matter, he does not observe the standard prescribed by the moral law, or when he disobeys the moral law in a grave matter, but without full knowledge or without complete consent” (CCC 1862).

 

The Bible also provides for many different types of sins. In the letter of St. Paul to the Galatians, the works of the flesh are contrasted with the fruits of spirit. “Now the works of the flesh are plain: Fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing and the like. Those who act this way shall not obtain the kingdom of God (5:19-21).

Sin can further be differentiated according to their objects same as every human act, or according to the virtues they oppose, by excess or defect or according to the commandment they violate. They can also be categorised according to how they concern God, neighbour, or oneself, into spiritual or carnal sins or sins in thoughts, words, or deeds or omissions.

 

Sin is rooted in our hearts as humans, in our free will. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a man” (Matthew 15:19).

I hope the categories and levels of sin are more evident now? As the levels of sin differ, the gravity of how it is evaluated also differs. The difference between mortal and venial sin is already apparent in the scriptures and has become part of the tradition of the Church, which is corroborated by human experience.

 

How can we overcome sin?

• Regularly studying the word of God
• Prayer
• Receiving the Eucharist
• Regular confession

 

Lord, I surrender my life to You without reserve. I beg You to strengthen me in times of temptation and keep me free from sin. Never let me go so far from you that I lose the sense of sin, and never stop longing for your love and grace. Jesus, I trust in You.